Rachel Brightwell, MD

Gynecologic Cancer Specialist

Educational Background

Originally from Kentucky, Dr. Rachel Brightwell received her undergraduate degree in Biotechnology at the University of Kentucky before attending St. George’s University for her medical degree. After completing residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, she went on to fellowship at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY. This National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center was the first institution in the nation dedicated exclusively to cancer research. The long-standing tradition of dedication to cancer care was impressed upon her through her education and afforded her a solid platform to continue the pursuit of excellence in women’s cancer care. Dr. Brightwell’s areas of clinical interest include ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers, quality of life, and palliative care.

Dr. Brightwell has extensive training and experience in minimally invasive procedures, including advanced laparoscopy and robotics. She is also a very talented surgeon for all types of open abdominal procedures, including those for advanced cytoreductive ovarian cancer debulkings. The goal of these procedures it to remove all visible disease to increase the susceptibility to chemotherapy and improve survival. Dr. Brightwell believes in not just treating a disease, but treating the whole person, with great emphasis on maximizing the patient’s quality of life and respecting her autonomy.

Dr. Brightwell has been published in several well-known, peer-reviewed academic publications and gynecologic oncology textbooks. Her academic pursuits have included both basic science and clinical research.

Awards & Research

Research Interests:
Clinical research and identification of new cancer biomarkers
Novel immunological therapies for gynecologic malignancies

What I Love About My Job

“Establishing a relationship with my patients and their loved ones is of the utmost importance to me. We will attack this problem as a team, and together, we will formulate the most appropriate plan of care that affords the best possible outcome. My primary goal is to provide evidence-based, compassionate care for these women in this difficult time. Caring for my patients is an honor and a privilege that I do not take lightly.”